Radioactive Pollution: Controlling Its Impact And Future Risks

Radioactive pollution is a serious issue that can have long-term effects on the environment and human health. It is important to understand how to control and manage this type of pollution to prevent harmful exposure to radiation. Radioactive waste can be stored in underground facilities, with the rock structure acting as a barrier to contain radioactivity. Deep geological disposal is considered the best solution for the final disposal of highly radioactive waste. Additionally, low-level radioactive waste can be sent to land-based disposal sites immediately after packaging. Decontamination methods, such as removing contaminated clothing and washing with water, can also help reduce exposure to radioactive material.

Decontaminating yourself after a radiation emergency

Radioactive pollution can be controlled by storing radioactive waste in an underground facility, such as a deep geological repository. This prevents radiation exposure to people and the environment. Radioactive waste can also be stored underwater for at least five years before being moved to dry storage.

If you find yourself in a radiation emergency, there are several steps you can take to decontaminate yourself:

• Remove your outer layer of clothing: Taking off your outer layer of clothing can remove up to 90% of radioactive material. Be careful not to inhale any radioactive dust that may be released during this process. Place the clothing in a plastic bag or sealable container and keep it away from other people and pets.
• Wash your hands, face, and exposed body parts: Use soap and plenty of water to wash any exposed areas of your body. Tap water can still be used for decontamination as radioactive material will be diluted when it mixes with clean water.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you do not show any immediate symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice and monitoring after potential radiation exposure.

Storing radioactive waste to avoid radiation exposure

Radioactive waste is stored to avoid radiation exposure to people or any pollution. The radioactivity of the waste decays with time, so there is a strong incentive to store high-level waste for about 50 years before disposal. The storage of used fuel is normally under water for at least five years and then often in dry storage. Deep geological disposal is widely agreed to be the best solution for the final disposal of the most radioactive waste produced.

The most common method of storing radioactive waste is to place it in an engineered, underground facility or 'repository'. The rock structure provides a barrier against the escape of radioactivity. There is no intention to retrieve the waste once the facility is closed.

To ensure the safe storage of radioactive waste, highly sensitive analytical tools are needed to follow chemical and microstructural processes. This provides deeper insight into the behaviour and performance of the materials used for storage. Additionally, replicating the local environment in which the waste is stored can help predict any long-term effects.

Deep geological disposal of radioactive waste

Radioactive waste is stored to avoid radiation exposure to people or any pollution. Deep geological disposal is widely agreed to be the best solution for the final disposal of the most radioactive waste produced. This involves placing packaged radioactive waste in an engineered, underground facility or 'repository'. The rock structure provides a barrier against the escape of radioactivity.

To ensure the safe storage of radioactive waste, highly sensitive analytical tools are needed to follow chemical and microstructural processes and gain a deeper insight into the behaviour and performance of the materials used for storage. It is also necessary to replicate the local environment in which the waste is stored to predict any long-term effects.

Radioactivity decays over time, so high-level waste is stored for about 50 years before disposal. Low-level waste disposal is straightforward and can be undertaken safely almost anywhere. Used fuel is typically stored underwater for at least five years and then often in dry storage. Most low-level radioactive waste is sent to land-based disposal immediately following its packaging for long-term management.

Using tap water for decontamination

Tap water can be used for decontamination. Radioactive material that gets into surface or ground water sources will be diluted when it mixes with clean water, reducing the level of radioactive contamination to a very low level.

If you are decontaminating yourself, you should first take off your outer layer of clothing. This can remove up to 90% of radioactive material. Be careful when removing your clothing to prevent inhaling radioactive dust released from shaking. Put the clothing in a plastic bag or other sealable container and put the bag far away from other people and pets. At a sink or faucet, wash your hands, face, and parts of your body that were not covered. Use soap and plenty of water.

Radioactive waste is stored so as to avoid any chance of radiation exposure to people, or any pollution. The radioactivity of the wastes decays with time, providing a strong incentive to store high-level waste for about 50 years before disposal. Disposal of low-level waste is straightforward and can be undertaken safely almost anywhere. Storage of used fuel is normally under water for at least five years and then often in dry storage. Deep geological disposal is widely agreed to be the best solution for final disposal of the most radioactive waste produced. Most low-level radioactive waste (LLW) is typically sent to land-based disposal immediately following its packaging for long-term management. This involves placing packaged radioactive waste in an underground facility or 'repository'. The geology (rock structure) provides a barrier against the escape of radioactivity.

Using highly sensitive analytical tools to understand the behaviour of storage materials

Radioactive waste is stored in a way that avoids any chance of radiation exposure to people or pollution. The radioactivity of the waste decays over time, so high-level waste is stored for about 50 years before disposal. Low-level waste can be disposed of almost anywhere and is usually sent to land-based disposal immediately following its packaging for long-term management. Used fuel is often stored underwater for at least five years and then in dry storage. Deep geological disposal is widely considered the best solution for the final disposal of highly radioactive waste.

To understand the behaviour of storage materials, highly sensitive analytical tools are required to follow chemical and microstructural processes. This provides a deeper insight into the behaviour and performance of the materials used for storage. To predict any long-term effects, it is also necessary to replicate the local environment in which the radioactive waste is stored.

Frequently asked questions